Experts on Saturday expressed that as many as 100,000 children are estimated to have Type 1 Diabetes in Pakistan, dependent on insulin for a normal and healthy life. Tragically, a lack of timely diagnosis, driven by parental unawareness and insufficient awareness among physicians, leads to devastating consequences.
Renowned diabetologist Prof. Abdul Basit, leading the Changing Diabetes in Children project, expressed concern at a news conference in Islamabad. He highlighted symptoms such as sudden weight loss, frequent urination, extreme hunger, and mood changes, urging parents to consult trained physicians promptly if such signs appear.
Prof. Abdul Basit stressed that timely diagnosis and treatment could save lives, emphasizing the importance of awareness and the need for insulin. The Changing Diabetes in Children project, launched two years ago, provides free insulin to over 1,500 children with Type 1 Diabetes. The goal is to reach 3,000 children nationwide, offering them insulin to lead normal and happy lives.
Ambassador of Denmark to Pakistan Jakob Linulf joined the cause, lamenting the unnecessary deaths of hundreds of children due to a lack of awareness about Type 1 diabetes. He called for early diagnosis, proper training for physicians, and ensuring that every child has access to life-saving insulin.
The initiative, a collaboration between the Health Promotion Foundation, Novo Nordisk, and Roche Pakistan, provides free insulin to children in need.
The Ambassador emphasized that partnerships like Changing Diabetes in Children align with the International Diabetes Federation’s mission to promote global diabetes care and prevention.
Irum Ghafoor, Manager of Changing Diabetes in Children, detailed the initiative’s impact, with 16 centers across Pakistan enrolling 1,544 children by the end of 2023. These centers not only provide free insulin and glucose monitoring equipment but also offer comprehensive diabetes care and healthcare professional training.
Rashid Rafique Butt from Novo Nordisk underscored the company’s commitment to defeating chronic diseases like diabetes. The Changing Diabetes in Children program, launched in 2021, exemplifies this commitment by providing affordable care and positively impacting the lives of children and their families.
In conclusion, this collaborative initiative strives to rewrite the narrative for children battling Type 1 Diabetes in Pakistan, offering them hope, access to life-saving treatment, and the chance to lead fulfilling lives despite their health challenges.
